Hammock bed-supporting frames

ABSTRACT

A hammock-supporting stand or frame, formed of metal tubing or the like and designed particularly for lounge-type hammocks, is provided with a pair of leg portions on each side thereof which extend downwardly at an angle to a point adjacent the stand longitudinal midpoint and are thence deflected to a substantially straight, horizontal position forming elongated ground-engaging portions, the horizontal portions of said legs on each side of the stand being pivotally joined to permit said stand to be jackknifed to a folded, space-conserving compact condition for convenient shipping, storage, or display.

United States Patent [191 Westrich 1 HAMMOCK BED-SUPPORTING FRAMES [75] Inventor: James L. Westrich, Algoma, Wis.

[73] Assignee: Gleason Corporation, Milwaukee,

Wis.

[22] Filed: Apr. 3, 1972 [21] Appl. N0.: 240,489

[52] US. Cl. 5/129, 297/56 [51] Int. Cl A47k 11/02 [58] Field of Search 5/120, 127, 128,

S/l29, 94, 98 A, 98 C, 99 A, 99 R; 108/118; 38/D1G. 2; 248/164, 188.6, 432; 297/56,

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,321,780 5/1967 Morris 5/122 3,182,614 5/1965 McLean 108/118 2,708,960 5/1955 Shephard 297/57 X 2,710,413 6/1955 McArthur 5/129 Jan. 8, 1974 1,912,282 5/1933 Krebs 297/441 X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 700,282 11/1953 Great Britain 297/56 X Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Attorney-Arthur L. Morsell, Jr. et a1.

[5 7] ABSTRACT A hammock-supporting stand or frame, formed of metal tubing or the like and designed particularly for lounge-type hammocks, is provided with a pair of leg portions on each side thereof which extend downwardly at an angle to a point adjacent the stand longitudinal midpoint and are thence deflected to a substantially straight, horizontal position forming elongated ground-engaging portions, the horizontal portions of said legs on each side of the stand being pivota11y joined to permit said stand to be jackknifed to a folded, space-conserving compact condition for convenient shipping, storage, or display.

3 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to hammocks, and

more particularly to an improved, foldable stand for hammock lounges.

2. Description of the Prior Art Heretofore, most lounge-type hammock stands have been designed with two parallel, substantially U-shaped supporting members, the upper portions of which are rigidly joined together at their head and foot ends by horizontal cross bars, or so-called header bars. Such stands are not only more expensive to manufacture as well as being less stable in comparison to the present invention, but said conventional rigid stands cannot be folded or pivoted into a compact condition when it is desired to store or ship the same. Examples of conventional hammock stands of the general type described are disclosed in the following United States patents: U. S. Pat. Nos. 3,315,281; 3,321,780; 816,340; 2,450,689; 2,569,596; 941,927; 1,400,049; and 2,104,917.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As hereinabove mentioned, the present invention provides a new and inexpensive construction for a novel hammock-lounge stand which is adapted to be folded in scissors-like fashion from its normal outstretched hammock-supporting condition to a compact, space-conserving condition for more efficient storage or display, as well as for more economical shipment.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved hammock-lounge stand featuring elongated horizontal, ground-engaging leg portions, as described, thereby providing greater stability than conventional hammock stands and lessening the chances of accidental tipping, and possible injury to the occupant, particularly when getting onto or off of the hammock.

A further object of the invention isto provide a hammock stand having elongated, substantially horizontal ground-engaging leg portions for increased stability, as described, wherein said leg portions are not absolutely straight, but, rather, wherein they are provided with slightly contoured portions to compensate for any irregularities in the ground surface, thereby promoting the stability of said stand regardless of the condition of the surface upon which it is tested.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved hammock stand, as described, which can be formed of just two joined-together unitary supporting members, for economy of manufacture and ease of assembly, or which stand can be formed of separable, telescopically-intertitting components if preferred.

A further object is to provide a hammock stand as described which can be completely formed of tubular metal or other stock, including aluminum for lightness in weight and consequent economy of shipment and ease of handling.

Still further objects of the present invention are to provide a novel hammock standas described which is adapted to accommodate hammock beds of various styles and designs, which novel and improved stand is durable and long-lasting in construction, attractive in appearance, and which improved stand is otherwise particularly well adapted for its intended purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the accompanying drawing, wherein there is illustrated one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and wherein the same reference numerals designate the same parts in all of the views:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the improved to hammock stand comprising the invention;

FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of said stand; and

FIG. 3 is a side elevationalview showing the stand in its folded condition for compact storage, display, or shipment DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 1 and2 of the drawing, it will be seen that the new and improved 20 hammock stand comprising the present invention includes a horizontal, transverse so-called header bar 10 at the head end of the stand and :a similar header bar 11 at the foot end of the stand, saidstand being designed particularly for lounge-type hammock beds,

25 such as the bed 18 which is illustrated in broken lines in the drawing. Said bed may be formed of woven fabric, canvas, or any suitable material, and, if desired, a tie-on pillow (not shown) can be secured to the head end of said bed. Unlike common hammocks, wherein 30 the foot end and sometimes the head end are arranged 35 bed with any material beyond the ends of said bars falling downwardly to form an ornamental valance, as shown. This type of hammock is preferred bymany users because of its greater stability and reduced likelihood of tipping in comparison to other types of hammock beds, as well as the ability to easily shift said hammock to any desired location in the users yard (in contrast, for example,.to common hammocks which are suspended between two trees or other rigid supports), and for these reasons such so-called hammock lounges are enjoying ever-increasing popularity.

As is shown in the drawing, extending downwardly and rearwardly at an angle from each end of the header bar 10 are spaced, parallel leg members having first portions 12, 13, which engage the ground at a point spaced slightly forwardly of the hammock longitudinal midpoint, and are then deflected upwardly a short distance and then rearwardly to form second elongated, rearwardly-extending substantially horizontal leg portions 12, 13', respectively, there preferably being caps 19 or the like titted over the outer ends of said tubular members. Similarly, the header bar 11 at the opposite end of the stand is provided with spaced, parallel leg members having first portions l4, 15 which extend downwardly and forwardly at a similar angle to a point spaced slightly rearwardly of the hammock midpoint and are thence deflected first upwardly for a short distance and then forwardly at an obtuse angle to the first leg portions form second elongated, forwardlyextending substantially horizontal ground-engaging leg portions 14, 15', respectively. Said horizontal leg portions are positioned to fit immediately adjacent their counterparts on the opposite supporting unit, and as best appears in FIG. 1, said adjacent horizontal leg portions are pivotally joined at the longitudinal midpoint of the stand by bolt members 16, although it is to be understood that clamps, brackets or other fastener means could be employed in lieu of said bolts 16 and the invention is by no means to be limited or confined in this respect.

While FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing illustrate the hammock stand in its normal, outstretched condition, when it is desired to store the hammock in a garage or other confined space, as is necessary in many parts of the country where the climate prevents year-round outdoor use of the hammock, it is merely necessary to pivot the frame members about the aforementioned connecting bolts 16 to the closed condition shown in FIG. 3. In the latter condition said hammock requires relatively little space and can be easily stored in a garage, basement, or other convenient location without disassembling the unit. Moreover, as is illustrated in FIG. 3, when said hammock has been folded to its closed condition it is designed to stand by itself in an upright position on its diverging lower leg portions which not only further facilitates the storage of said hammock but which can be advantageously utilized for display purposes in stores and the like where floor space may be at a premium.

A further important advantage of the pivotal nature of the present hammock stand, wherein the hammock can be folded into a compact unit, as described, is that smaller shipping cartons can be utilized for increased efficiency and reduced transportation costs.

While the header bar and leg elements illustrated in the drawing and hereinabove described are formed as two unitary sections, as described, the novel hammock stand comprising the present invention is also adapted to be formed of a plurality of separable, telescopicallyinterfitting tubular components if desired. In one such construction, for example, the header bars 10, 11 are designed to removably fit over the leg members 12-15, and, if desired, the leg members can be formed with the angled portions designed to 'separably interfit with the horizontal, ground-engaging portions for compact packaging and shipment thereof, thereby providing a unit which can be disassembled and then quickly and easily assembled when desired and without the use of any special tools or equipment. It is even contemplated that in lieu of the horizontal leg portions being pivotally bolted or otherwise joined, as described, for some purposes it might be desired to employ a separate tubular socket-like lower member into which said leg portions could be permanently or removably fitted.

With respect to the form of said invention wherein the header bar and leg components are designed to telescopically interfit, incidentally, it is critical that the upper member fit over the member therebelow in each instance so that there are no upwardly facing annular openings into which water can seep, or dirt find its way, which could cause harmful rust and corrosion.

A further modification of the illustrated stand which is contemplated is the addition of transverse cross bars (not shown) at each end of the stand connecting the outer ends of the opposite ground-engaging leg portions 12', 13' and 14', 15' for greater stability, although it has been found that the substantial length of said leg ground-engaging portions provides superior stability than is obtained with conventional hammock stands,

and greatly reduces the possibility of the hammock inadvertently tipping.

Still another feature incorporated in the present stand to provide increased stability and reliability, as mentioned briefly above, is that the lower, groundengaging leg portions 12'15' of said stand are not absolutely straight, but, rather, portions thereof are contoured or deflected slightly upwardly in a vertical plane to provide downwardly-bowed ground-engaging parts on each side of the pivot 16 (as indicated at 17 in FIG. 1) to compensate for any irregularities or unevenness in the surface of the ground. The result is a safe and reliable support regardless of the contour of the ground upon which the hammock is rested.

In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention the hammock bed 18 is provided with hems at each end thereof through which the header bars 10, 11 are inserted to support said bed, and it has been found that if a double hem is employed at one or both ends of said bed, that is, a secondary hem immediately adjacent the outermost hem, said secondary hem can be used in the event the fabric or other bed material stretches with the passage of time, which is not uncommon, thereby compensating for said increase in the length of the bed material and ensuring a firm, taut bed at all times.

It is to be understood, of course, that while the illustrated hammock unit features a bed having end hems through which the supporting stand header bars are inserted, as described, the novel and improved stand comprising the present invention can also be utilized with a variety of bed styles, including beds wherein the end portions thereof are secured to the stand header bars by chains, cords, or string webbing or the like, and the invention is not to be limited in this respect. Similarly, while the stand has been described herein as particularly well suited for lounge-type hammock beds, said stand could be readily modified to accommodate conventional hammock beds and neither is the invention to be limited or confined in this respect.

From the foregoing detailed description it will be seen that the present invention provides a new and improved hammock stand which is a definite advance in the art. Primarily, in addition to its economy of manufacture, the novel stand comprising the present invention is adapted to be folded in scissors-like fashion from its normal outstretched hammock-supporting condition to a compact, space-conserving condition for more efficient storage or display, as well as for more economical shipment. Moreover, the new stand design features elongated substantially horizontal ground-engaging leg portions which provide greater stability than is achieved with conventional hammock stands, and in the present invention said elongated leg members are provided with unique contoured portions to compensate for any unevenness in the ground surface, thereby promoting the safety and stability of the stand regardless of the condition of the surface upon which it is rested.

Still further important advantages of the present novel hammock stand are that it can be constructed of just two joined-together unitary supporting members or it can be formed of a plurality of separable, telescopically interfitting components which permit said stand to be disassembled for compact packaging and shipment. In addition, the present stand is extremely rugged and durable in construction.

It is to be understood that while one preferred embodiment of the improved hammock stand comprising the present invention has been illustrated herein, and several modified forms described in the foregoing specification, the invention is not to be limited to the forms of said stand illustrated and described. Rather, what is intended to be covered herein is not only the forms of the invention illustrated and described but also any and all variations or modifications thereof as may come within the spirit of said invention and within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A supporting stand for hammock beds, said stand having a forward head end and having a rearward foot end comprising: a first horizontal, transverse, elevated header bar at the head end of said stand; a second similar header bar at the foot end of said stand; first spaced parallel leg members having first portions extending downwardly and rearwardly at an angle from each end of said first header bar to a position of substantial engagement with the ground at a point forwardly of the longitudinal midpoint of the hammock, and having second portions extending at an obtuse angle with respect to said first portions to form rearwardly-extending, substantially horizontal, ground-engaging portions; similar spaced parallel leg members having first portions extending downwardly and forwardly at an angle from each end of said second header bar to a position to engage the ground at a point rearwardly of the longitudinal midpoint of the hammock, and having second portions extending at an obtuse angle to form forwardlyextending, substantially horizontal, ground-engaging portions, each horizontal ground-engaging portion which connects with the header bar at the head end of the stand having a part intermediate its length positioned adjacent a corresponding ground-engaging portion associated with the header bar at the foot end of the stand; a connection on each side of the stand between said adjacent portions with said connections substantially at the ground level when the stand is in operative position, said header bars providing for suspending of a hammock therebetween, and the oppositelyprojecting, ground-engaging leg portions on each side of the hammock cooperating to provide a substantially horizontal, ground-engaging part on each side of the stand.

2. A supporting stand for hammock beds as defined in claim 1 in which the said connections are pivotal connections, and in which said pivotal connections are substantially at ground level when the stand is in operative position, the stand being foldable in scissors-like fashion to a folded-together closed condition for compact storage, shipment, or display.

3. A supporting stand for hammock beds as defined in claim 1 in which the lower end of the first portion of each leg member is curved upwardly for a short distance just in advance of said connection to provide a downwardly-bowed, ground-engaging part on each side of said connection and on each side of the stand. 

1. A supporting stand for hammock beds, said stand having a forward head end and having a rearward foot end comprising: a first horizontal, transverse, elevated header bar at the head end of said stand; a second similar header bar at the foot end of said stand; first spaced parallel leg members having first portions extending downwardly and rearwardly at an angle from each end of said first header bar to a position of substantial engagement with the ground at a point forwardly of the longitudinal midpoint of the hammock, and having second portions extending at an obtuse angle with respect to said first portions to form rearwardly-extending, substantially horizontal, groundengaging portions; similar spaced parallel leg members having first portions extending downwardly and forwardly at an angle from each end of said second header bar to a posItion to engage the ground at a point rearwardly of the longitudinal midpoint of the hammock, and having second portions extending at an obtuse angle to form forwardly-extending, substantially horizontal, ground-engaging portions, each horizontal ground-engaging portion which connects with the header bar at the head end of the stand having a part intermediate its length positioned adjacent a corresponding ground-engaging portion associated with the header bar at the foot end of the stand; a connection on each side of the stand between said adjacent portions with said connections substantially at the ground level when the stand is in operative position, said header bars providing for suspending of a hammock therebetween, and the oppositely-projecting, ground-engaging leg portions on each side of the hammock cooperating to provide a substantially horizontal, ground-engaging part on each side of the stand.
 2. A supporting stand for hammock beds as defined in claim 1 in which the said connections are pivotal connections, and in which said pivotal connections are substantially at ground level when the stand is in operative position, the stand being foldable in scissors-like fashion to a folded-together closed condition for compact storage, shipment, or display.
 3. A supporting stand for hammock beds as defined in claim 1 in which the lower end of the first portion of each leg member is curved upwardly for a short distance just in advance of said connection to provide a downwardly-bowed, ground-engaging part on each side of said connection and on each side of the stand. 